What it means: The Ravens kept pace with the Patriots and Texans for a top-two seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs by defeating the winless and Peyton Manning-less Colts. Baltimore also stayed in first place in the AFC North (the Ravens own the tiebreaker over Pittsburgh) by winning its fourth straight game and improving its record to 10-3. A dominant team at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens set a franchise record with their ninth straight home win.

Not letting down: The Ravens didn't play down to their competition this time, ambushing Indianapolis in the first half. Baltimore scored on its first three drives (two touchdowns and a field goal) to take a 17-3 halftime lead. The Ravens gave up 47 yards in the first half, their fewest this season and the third-fewest in the John Harbaugh era.

Ending the drought: This didn't just end an eight-game losing streak to the Colts. It ended a three-game touchdown drought against Indianapolis under Harbaugh. The Ravens surpassed their point total in their past three losses to the Colts by three points today.

Flacco finds his groove: Joe Flacco was efficient, completing 23 of 31 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns. He had previously struggled against the Colts, throwing six interceptions and no touchdowns in his first three games against Indianapolis.

Dominant defense: The Ravens threatened to set a franchise record for fewest yards allowed in a game, holding Indianapolis to 53 total yards through three quarters. But the Colts finished with 167 total yards and reached the end zone on the final play of the game.

What's next: The Ravens take their second cross-country trip of the season when they play at San Diego on "Sunday Night Football."